Objectives

Explain the differences between mental health and mental illness and list some effects of mental illness on physical health.

Name the major mental illnesses and their characteristic symptoms.

List the key structures of the brain and describe the role of neurons in communication within the brain.

Chapter 4 Objectives

Describe the treatment options available for those with psychological problems.

Name the option you will consider if you have a mental health problem, and describe the reasons for your choice.

Discuss some of the factors that may lead to suicide, as well as strategies for prevention.

Are Men’s and Women’s Brains Different?

Men• Have bigger brains.• Have eyes which are more

sensitive to bright light.• Retain ability to see well at

long distances longer in life.• Loses brain tissue more

rapidly than women.

Women• Use more neurons.• Hears a broader range of

sounds.• Hearing remains sharper,

longer.• Responds more intensely to

emotions.

The Bottom LineNeither gender’s brain is “better”.

The Mentally Well

Individual

Fig. 4-3, p. 84

Establishes and maintains close relationships

Carries out responsibilities

Perceives reality as it is

Feels a sense of fulfillment in daily living

Accepts own limitations and possibilities

Values himself/herself

Pursues work that suits talents and training

What is a Mental Disorder?

A behavioral or

psychological syndrome

associated with distress

or disability with a

significantly increased

risk of suffering death,

pain, disability, or loss

of freedom.

Gender and Depression

• Depression is twice as common in females versus males, but male depression is an “under” disease• “underdiscussed”, “underrecognized”,

“underdiagnosed”, and “undertreated”.

Factors Contributing to DepressionGenes, brain chemistry, sex hormones,

childhood abuse, chronic stress, divorce, job loss, or career setbacks.

Major DepressionCharacteristic Symptoms

• Feeling depressed• Loss of interest• Eating more or less• Having trouble

sleeping• Feeling slowed down• Lack of energy• Feeling helpless• Difficulty

concentrating

• Difficulty thinking clearly

• Persistent thoughts of death

• Withdrawal from others

• Headaches, digestive problems, aches and pains

Depressive DisordersTreatments

PsychotherapyCognitive-behavior therapy

Interpersonal therapy

MedicationsAntidepressants

Exercise

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Bipolar DisorderManic Depression

Characteristics• Mood swings that take

individuals from manic states of feeling euphoric and energetic to depressive states of utter despair.

• Involves mood swings, changes in thinking, changes in behavior, and changes in physical condition.

Treatment• Mood-stabilizing

medications• Psychotherapy

Anxiety Disorders

Phobias

Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Anxiety DisordersPhobias

DefinitionAn anxiety disorder maskedby an inordinate fear of an

object, a class of objects,or a situation, resulting in

extreme avoidancebehaviors.

Common PhobiasInvolve animals (dogs, snakes,

insects, and mice); sight of blood; claustrophobia,

acrophobia; and agoraphobia.

TreatmentBehavior therapy

including systematic

desensitization.

Anxiety DisordersPanic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Panic Attack

A short episode characterized by physical

sensations of lightheadedness,

dizziness, hyperventilation, and

numbness of extremities, accompanied by an inexplicable terror,

usually of a physical disaster such as death.

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder in which the apprehension or

experience of recurring panic attacks is so intense that normal

functioning is impaired.

Anxiety DisordersGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Definition

An anxiety disorder

characterized as chronic

distress.

Common Symptoms

Faster heart rate, sweating,

increased blood pressure,

muscle aches, intestinal

pains, irritability, sleep

problems, and difficulty

concentrating.

Treatment• Psychotherapy.• Behavioral therapy.• Antianxiety drugs.

Anxiety DisordersObsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

DefinitionAn anxiety disorder

characterized by

obsessions and/or

compulsions that impair

one’s ability to function and

form relationships.

ObsessionA recurring idea, thought or

image.

CompulsionRepetitive behavior performed

according to certain rules or in a stereotyped fashion

TreatmentCognitive therapy

Behavioral therapyMedications

Attention DisordersAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

DefinitionA spectrum of difficulties in

controlling motion and sustaining attention,

including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility.

Potential ComplicationsAcademic difficulties, poor

concentration, difficulty making decisions,

relationship difficulties, sleep problems, increased risk of

depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse.

Treatments• Medications

• Stimulants:• Ritalin

• Nonstimulants:• Strattera

• Psychotherapy

Schizophrenia

SymptomsHallucinations; delusions; inability to think in a logical manner;

talking in rambling or incoherent ways; making odd or purposeless movements; mimicking gesture or words; showing few, if any, emotions; lacking will or motivation; and functioning

at a much lower level.

CausesFailure in brain development early in life and genetics.

Not due to upbringing, social conditions, or traumatic experience.

TreatmentAntipsychotic medications

What Leads to Suicide?

Mental Disorders

Antidepressant Medications

Substance Abuse

Hopelessness

Family History

Physical Illness

Brain Chemistry

Access to Guns

Life Crises

Suicide Prevention

• Encourage your friend to talk.

• Don’t offer trite reassurances.

• Suggest solutions or alternatives to problems.

• Don’t be afraid to ask whether your friend has considered suicide.

• Don’t think that people who talk about killing themselves never carry out their threat.

Types of Therapists

Psychiatrists Licensed medical doctor with additional training n psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and treatment of mental disorders.

Types of Therapists

Psychologists Mental health-care professionals who have completed doctoral or graduate programs in psychology and are trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques, but who are not medically trained and so not prescribe medications.

Types of Therapists

Certified Social Workers

A person who has completed a two-year graduate program in counseling people with mental problems.

Types of Therapists

Psychiatric Nurses

A nurse with special training and experience in mental health care.

Types of Therapists

Marriage and Family Therapists

A psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker who specializes in marriage and family counseling.

Types of Therapy

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Psychiatric Drugs

Alternative Mind-Mood Products

Surviving and Thriving

• Accept yourself.• Respect yourself.• Trust yourself.• Love yourself.• Stretch yourself.• Look at challenges as

opportunities for personal growth.

• Think not only where but also who you want to be a decade from now.